AILA Calls on Congress to Embrace Principles Laid out by Bipartisan Group of Senators

"Newly released bipartisan document shows consensus is not only possible but closer than ever," said AILA President Laura Lichter

WASHINGTON, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) calls on Congress to embrace the principles released today by a bipartisan group of Senators and move forward on creating an immigration system that will meet the needs of the U.S. economy, businesses, families, and the 11 million immigrants who face the terror of detention and deportation each and every day.

Principles that should be reflected in any bipartisan immigration reform bill include:

Our immigration system must uphold the Constitution and core American values of fairness, equality, and due process.

An earned path to lawful permanent status and eventually citizenship is essential to smart reform.

Immigration reform is good for America's economy, our businesses, and workers.

Families are the cornerstone of American society, and the immigration system should serve to strengthen all families.

"Today is what I hope to be the first step in a path forward, moving from talk in back rooms to actual, concrete change that will make our nation stronger," said Laura Lichter, AILA President. She continued, "Despite disparate backgrounds and politics, eight Senators and their hardworking staff members have come up with a document that can serve as a genuine foundation from which to move towards bipartisan immigration reform. Still, we know it will not be easy to fix the dysfunctional and out-of-touch patchwork of current policies immigrants face today. However, today the conversation has changed from the realm of rhetoric into a real discussion of the right way to build a new system that meets our country's needs. The devil is, as they say, in the details, but this newly released bipartisan document shows that consensus is not only possible, but closer than ever."

###

The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.